Is Rocket Boosters Legit?

Spending Breakdown

How Rocket Boosters allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.

85%

Program Spending

Healthy — majority goes to mission

10%

Admin Costs

Reasonable — admin costs in check

Fundraising

Within typical range

How to read this: Well-run charities typically spend 75% or more on programs, keep admin under 25%, and fundraising under 15%. A high program ratio means more of every dollar goes directly to the mission.

How to Interpret This Report

What Red Flags Mean

Red flags are potential warning signs identified by AI analysis of IRS 990 filings. They may indicate issues like declining revenue, high executive pay relative to program spending, lack of transparency, or governance concerns. A single red flag does not necessarily mean an organization is untrustworthy, but multiple flags warrant further investigation before donating.

What Mission Score Measures

The Mission Score (0-100) evaluates how effectively a nonprofit fulfills its stated purpose. It combines multiple factors: program spending efficiency (how much goes to programs vs. overhead), financial health and sustainability, governance quality, transparency in reporting, and consistency of operations over time. A score of 70+ indicates strong alignment with the organization’s mission.

Using This Data for Donation Decisions

Use this report as one input in your decision. Look at the overall Mission Score for a quick assessment, review red flags and strengths for specific concerns, check the spending breakdown to see where money goes, and compare executive compensation to the organization’s size. Consider viewing the full transparency report for deeper analysis, and always verify tax-exempt status with the IRS before making large donations.

Frequently Asked Questions about Rocket Boosters

Is Rocket Boosters a legitimate charity?

Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Rocket Boosters (EIN: 205330773) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 85/100. 3 red flags identified, 4 strengths noted.

Is Rocket Boosters a good charity to donate to?

Rocket Boosters has a Mission Score of 85/100. Revenue: $222K. Assets: $102K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.

What is the EIN for Rocket Boosters?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Rocket Boosters is 205330773. This is the unique tax ID assigned by the IRS.

What is a Mission Score?

The Mission Score is a 0-100 rating that measures how effectively a nonprofit fulfills its stated mission. It factors in program spending efficiency, financial transparency, governance practices, and outcome reporting. Scores above 70 indicate strong mission alignment, 40-69 suggest mixed performance, and below 40 signals potential concerns.

How does Rocket Boosters spend its money?

Rocket Boosters allocates 85% to programs, 10% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.

How can I verify Rocket Boosters's tax-exempt status?

You can verify Rocket Boosters's tax-exempt status using EIN 205330773 on the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) at apps.irs.gov/app/eos. You can also request copies of their Form 990 directly from the organization, as they are required by law to provide them upon request.

AI Transparency Report

Rocket Boosters demonstrates a generally stable financial position with consistent revenue streams, particularly in recent years. The organization's assets have shown growth, reaching $117,057 in 2023, and it consistently reports zero liabilities, indicating strong financial solvency. A notable aspect of their financial management is the complete absence of officer compensation reported across all available filings, which suggests a volunteer-driven leadership or that compensation is structured in a way not reported as officer compensation on the 990-EZ. This practice, while potentially indicating efficiency, could also raise questions about the sustainability of leadership without formal compensation as the organization grows.

Spending efficiency appears to be a mixed bag. In 2023, expenses ($240,451) exceeded revenue ($221,768), leading to a deficit for that year. However, in 2022, revenue ($223,978) significantly outpaced expenses ($161,888), resulting in a substantial surplus. The dramatic increase in revenue from $20,402 in 2021 to $223,978 in 2022, and maintaining a similar level in 2023, suggests a significant scaling of operations or a successful fundraising initiative. The organization's consistent reporting of zero liabilities across all periods is a strong indicator of financial health and responsible debt management. The lack of officer compensation also contributes to a perception of efficiency, as more funds are theoretically available for programs.

Transparency is high regarding executive compensation, as none is reported. The consistent filing of IRS Form 990s over many years also points to a commitment to regulatory compliance and public disclosure. However, without a more detailed breakdown of expenses beyond what is typically available on a 990-EZ, it's challenging to fully assess the allocation between program, administrative, and fundraising costs. The significant fluctuation in revenue and expenses between 2021 and 2022 warrants further investigation to understand the underlying operational changes.

Verdict: Rocket Boosters appears trustworthy

Red Flags

Strengths